Schools, buses headline early budget promises
TRANSPORT:
* $452 million to increase bus services, including $56 million to purchase 50 new 'bendy' buses
* $150 million of above funds to be used for more regular school bus services in outer Sydney and regional areas
* Road upgrades and new signage around Western Sydney Airport precinct totalling $80 million
EDUCATION:
* $9 billion over four years for public school infrastructure, largely focused in growing suburban communities
* Three new public primary schools in west and southwest Sydney with attached public preschools along with one new high school
HEALTH:
* $700 million towards construction of the new Bankstown Hospital and necessary relocation of Bankstown TAFE
* A statewide pathology hub to be established at Westmead, the $492 million investment includes an upgrade to a high-security lab researching dangerous pathogens like Ebola and measles
* $23 million to cover an extra 3500 surgeries in the next year
LAW AND ORDER:
* $125.8 million for cybersecurity upgrades to NSW Police, $50 million of which will go to upgrade outdated hardware
* Victims' Support Service funding boosted by $227 million over five years to help victims of violent crime access counselling
* Upgrade of Downing Centre to create 15 new physical and virtual courtrooms and $48.3 million to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for additional solicitors
HOUSING
* $30.4 million crisis intervention package for homelessness services
* Extension of build-to-rent tax concessions beyond slated 2039 end date
* New guidelines to speed up construction of roads, schools and parks around developments
ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC SPACES:
* $110 million to maintain public spaces including the repair of Pyrmont Bridge and maintenance of fire trails
* Construction of the Newcastle Logistics Precinct for $115.5 million which will house wind turbines and electrical transformers used in renewable energy projects
* Commonwealth Veteran Card holders will receive free vehicle entry to all NSW National Parks
CULTURE:
* The establishment of a $100 million fund to find a suitable location for a second major film studio in Sydney
* $280 million to support the screen and digital games sector including rebates for NSW-based visual effects and digital games productions
NSW LABOR GOVERNMENT BUDGET PLEDGES
TRANSPORT:
* $452 million to increase bus services, including $56 million to purchase 50 new 'bendy' buses
* $150 million of above funds to be used for more regular school bus services in outer Sydney and regional areas
* Road upgrades and new signage around Western Sydney Airport precinct totalling $80 million
EDUCATION:
* $9 billion over four years for public school infrastructure, largely focused in growing suburban communities
* Three new public primary schools in west and southwest Sydney with attached public preschools along with one new high school
HEALTH:
* $700 million towards construction of the new Bankstown Hospital and necessary relocation of Bankstown TAFE
* A statewide pathology hub to be established at Westmead, the $492 million investment includes an upgrade to a high-security lab researching dangerous pathogens like Ebola and measles
* $23 million to cover an extra 3500 surgeries in the next year
LAW AND ORDER:
* $125.8 million for cybersecurity upgrades to NSW Police, $50 million of which will go to upgrade outdated hardware
* Victims' Support Service funding boosted by $227 million over five years to help victims of violent crime access counselling
* Upgrade of Downing Centre to create 15 new physical and virtual courtrooms and $48.3 million to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for additional solicitors
HOUSING
* $30.4 million crisis intervention package for homelessness services
* Extension of build-to-rent tax concessions beyond slated 2039 end date
* New guidelines to speed up construction of roads, schools and parks around developments
ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC SPACES:
* $110 million to maintain public spaces including the repair of Pyrmont Bridge and maintenance of fire trails
* Construction of the Newcastle Logistics Precinct for $115.5 million which will house wind turbines and electrical transformers used in renewable energy projects
* Commonwealth Veteran Card holders will receive free vehicle entry to all NSW National Parks
CULTURE:
* The establishment of a $100 million fund to find a suitable location for a second major film studio in Sydney
* $280 million to support the screen and digital games sector including rebates for NSW-based visual effects and digital games productions
NSW LABOR GOVERNMENT BUDGET PLEDGES
TRANSPORT:
* $452 million to increase bus services, including $56 million to purchase 50 new 'bendy' buses
* $150 million of above funds to be used for more regular school bus services in outer Sydney and regional areas
* Road upgrades and new signage around Western Sydney Airport precinct totalling $80 million
EDUCATION:
* $9 billion over four years for public school infrastructure, largely focused in growing suburban communities
* Three new public primary schools in west and southwest Sydney with attached public preschools along with one new high school
HEALTH:
* $700 million towards construction of the new Bankstown Hospital and necessary relocation of Bankstown TAFE
* A statewide pathology hub to be established at Westmead, the $492 million investment includes an upgrade to a high-security lab researching dangerous pathogens like Ebola and measles
* $23 million to cover an extra 3500 surgeries in the next year
LAW AND ORDER:
* $125.8 million for cybersecurity upgrades to NSW Police, $50 million of which will go to upgrade outdated hardware
* Victims' Support Service funding boosted by $227 million over five years to help victims of violent crime access counselling
* Upgrade of Downing Centre to create 15 new physical and virtual courtrooms and $48.3 million to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for additional solicitors
HOUSING
* $30.4 million crisis intervention package for homelessness services
* Extension of build-to-rent tax concessions beyond slated 2039 end date
* New guidelines to speed up construction of roads, schools and parks around developments
ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC SPACES:
* $110 million to maintain public spaces including the repair of Pyrmont Bridge and maintenance of fire trails
* Construction of the Newcastle Logistics Precinct for $115.5 million which will house wind turbines and electrical transformers used in renewable energy projects
* Commonwealth Veteran Card holders will receive free vehicle entry to all NSW National Parks
CULTURE:
* The establishment of a $100 million fund to find a suitable location for a second major film studio in Sydney
* $280 million to support the screen and digital games sector including rebates for NSW-based visual effects and digital games productions
NSW LABOR GOVERNMENT BUDGET PLEDGES
TRANSPORT:
* $452 million to increase bus services, including $56 million to purchase 50 new 'bendy' buses
* $150 million of above funds to be used for more regular school bus services in outer Sydney and regional areas
* Road upgrades and new signage around Western Sydney Airport precinct totalling $80 million
EDUCATION:
* $9 billion over four years for public school infrastructure, largely focused in growing suburban communities
* Three new public primary schools in west and southwest Sydney with attached public preschools along with one new high school
HEALTH:
* $700 million towards construction of the new Bankstown Hospital and necessary relocation of Bankstown TAFE
* A statewide pathology hub to be established at Westmead, the $492 million investment includes an upgrade to a high-security lab researching dangerous pathogens like Ebola and measles
* $23 million to cover an extra 3500 surgeries in the next year
LAW AND ORDER:
* $125.8 million for cybersecurity upgrades to NSW Police, $50 million of which will go to upgrade outdated hardware
* Victims' Support Service funding boosted by $227 million over five years to help victims of violent crime access counselling
* Upgrade of Downing Centre to create 15 new physical and virtual courtrooms and $48.3 million to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for additional solicitors
HOUSING
* $30.4 million crisis intervention package for homelessness services
* Extension of build-to-rent tax concessions beyond slated 2039 end date
* New guidelines to speed up construction of roads, schools and parks around developments
ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC SPACES:
* $110 million to maintain public spaces including the repair of Pyrmont Bridge and maintenance of fire trails
* Construction of the Newcastle Logistics Precinct for $115.5 million which will house wind turbines and electrical transformers used in renewable energy projects
* Commonwealth Veteran Card holders will receive free vehicle entry to all NSW National Parks
CULTURE:
* The establishment of a $100 million fund to find a suitable location for a second major film studio in Sydney
* $280 million to support the screen and digital games sector including rebates for NSW-based visual effects and digital games productions
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
ABC News
2 hours ago
- ABC News
Rehab centres like The Buttery in NSW struggling to cope with demand
Terry was not sure he would survive his addiction. Once a successful businessman in the finance sector, his out-of-control gambling and drinking led to the loss of his home and contact with loved ones. "When you're that down on yourself, you don't see a future," he said. Change came when Terry was accepted into a seven-month residential rehab program at The Buttery, in northern NSW. After 30 weeks of strict sobriety and regimented routines, he moved into a transitional house nearby with several other program participants. Now, he is optimistic. "I'm looking forward to the future, I'm looking forward to today, and tomorrow," he said. "To participate in community stuff and work, but more importantly, to reconnect with some of the people that I missed in my addiction." But there are fears others in need are missing out on a similar opportunity, due to underfunding in the alcohol and other drug (AOD) sector. The Buttery's residential programs have waitlists of up to six months, but beds are sometimes left vacant because there is not enough staff to support a full house. Chief executive Leone Crayden said one case worker working in an outreach program had around 45 families on her books. "That's a huge case load for somebody that only works three days a week, and those families need so much support," she said. Ms Crayden said expenses such as insurance premiums had risen considerably, while funding had only increased in line with CPI. "The funding isn't keeping up, not only with demand, but with the skill set that we need to be able to [hire] qualified staff that can really make a difference," she said. The Buttery's main building, a former butter factory, dates back to 1913 and needs a new roof, while the residential cottages are sinking and need restumping. "This place needs a huge amount of overhaul, and we're not funded to do that," Ms Crayden said. "We've seen a decrease in donations and sponsorship in the last 12 months as cost of living has increased, it's very noticeable. Case manager Daniel Ward credits The Buttery with changing his life. Six years ago, he completed the residential program. He now works to support people leaving prison. "It's given me the tools to move forward in life and now I want to give back, so subsequently I got a job here and it's fulfilled me in every way," Mr Ward said. But a lack of crossover support with housing is causing concern. "I can get a participant off drugs … and starting work, but if they've got nowhere to live, then that's a major problem," Mr Ward said. To tackle such gaps in the system, the sector's peak body wants the NSW government to establish a 10-year alcohol and other drugs (AOD) strategy. The Network of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies (NADA) is also calling for an additional $65 million per year over five years for the non-government sector. CEO Robert Stirling said if the government did not help the AOD sector, other frontline services such as hospital emergency departments would take the brunt instead. "Government tends to respond at the acute end, when things have gotten bad," he said. "If we start looking at prevention and early intervention … that flow-on effect will happen … in mental health, family and domestic violence and other areas, because often they're interrelated." After last year's NSW Drug Summit, a report was released in April with 56 recommendations. In a statement, NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said he was "carefully considering" the drug summit's findings. He said the government was committed to building on last year's $33.9 million announcement to build 12 new support hubs. As he readjusts to life outside rehab, Terry is keeping busy with art, exercise and peer support meetings. He wants others to have that chance too. "Everyone there at the Buttery, they're all striving for the same thing," Terry said. "They want to get back into society, be of value to their family or friends, employer, their children maybe, just contribute again.
The Advertiser
4 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Go to school on AI to ease teacher load, treasurer told
Schools should use artificial intelligence to ease the load on teachers and tackle educational inequity, the government's productivity adviser says. The Productivity Commission also recommended financial incentives for businesses to train workers and to reduce barriers to occupational training in the fourth of five reports it is releasing ahead of the government's economic reform roundtable. Building the nation's skills base is an important part of turning around Australia's ailing productivity performance, the commission found. "A thriving, adaptable workforce will give us the productivity growth we need to see higher wages and better living standards," deputy chair Alex Robson said. "As the pace of change in work and technology continues to accelerate, we need to ensure that workers can acquire the skills they'll need to thrive." The federal government should provide "national leadership" on educational technology and AI in schools, the report recommended. It is hoped the changes would arrest the decline in Australians' foundational skills, which allow workers to learn new abilities and are essential to improving productivity. National education bodies should establish a framework for assessing the quality of edtech tools, undertake a stocktake of what tools are being used and recommend tools for teachers across Australia to use, the commission said. State and territory governments were told to provide professional development and support for teachers to adopt and use AI tools effectively. The report urged the government to create a single nationwide online platform of planning materials for teachers across all states and territories to access. This would particularly help teachers in remote areas or who instruct classes outside of their field of expertise. Promoting the use of AI in schools was one of the recommendations put forward by ChatGPT owner OpenAI in an economic blueprint for Australia released by the Silicon Valley-based tech giant in June. Treasurer Jim Chalmers welcomed the report, saying the government was grateful for the commission's work "in helping us think through some of the big challenges in our economy". "The reason that our government is obsessed with productivity in our economy is because it's the best way to lift living standards over time," he said, as he prepared for his roundtable of business, unions, experts and civil society next week. "Our investments and reforms to boost our human capital are a big part of that, helping workers around the country earn more and keep more of what they earn. "As a Labor government, we'll always back and invest in our workers to make sure we build the human capital and skills we need to grasp the opportunities of the defining decade ahead." While the summit provides a good opportunity for the government to tackle the challenges facing the nation's economy, it came with risks as well, said Zareh Ghazarian, head of Monash University's politics and international relations discipline. "The challenge for the government will be how it manages the expectation that this event will make a real and positive impact on the community," he said. "Politically, entertaining questions on tax reform and productivity may be challenging for the Albanese government, especially as some arguments may go against its policy preferences." Schools should use artificial intelligence to ease the load on teachers and tackle educational inequity, the government's productivity adviser says. The Productivity Commission also recommended financial incentives for businesses to train workers and to reduce barriers to occupational training in the fourth of five reports it is releasing ahead of the government's economic reform roundtable. Building the nation's skills base is an important part of turning around Australia's ailing productivity performance, the commission found. "A thriving, adaptable workforce will give us the productivity growth we need to see higher wages and better living standards," deputy chair Alex Robson said. "As the pace of change in work and technology continues to accelerate, we need to ensure that workers can acquire the skills they'll need to thrive." The federal government should provide "national leadership" on educational technology and AI in schools, the report recommended. It is hoped the changes would arrest the decline in Australians' foundational skills, which allow workers to learn new abilities and are essential to improving productivity. National education bodies should establish a framework for assessing the quality of edtech tools, undertake a stocktake of what tools are being used and recommend tools for teachers across Australia to use, the commission said. State and territory governments were told to provide professional development and support for teachers to adopt and use AI tools effectively. The report urged the government to create a single nationwide online platform of planning materials for teachers across all states and territories to access. This would particularly help teachers in remote areas or who instruct classes outside of their field of expertise. Promoting the use of AI in schools was one of the recommendations put forward by ChatGPT owner OpenAI in an economic blueprint for Australia released by the Silicon Valley-based tech giant in June. Treasurer Jim Chalmers welcomed the report, saying the government was grateful for the commission's work "in helping us think through some of the big challenges in our economy". "The reason that our government is obsessed with productivity in our economy is because it's the best way to lift living standards over time," he said, as he prepared for his roundtable of business, unions, experts and civil society next week. "Our investments and reforms to boost our human capital are a big part of that, helping workers around the country earn more and keep more of what they earn. "As a Labor government, we'll always back and invest in our workers to make sure we build the human capital and skills we need to grasp the opportunities of the defining decade ahead." While the summit provides a good opportunity for the government to tackle the challenges facing the nation's economy, it came with risks as well, said Zareh Ghazarian, head of Monash University's politics and international relations discipline. "The challenge for the government will be how it manages the expectation that this event will make a real and positive impact on the community," he said. "Politically, entertaining questions on tax reform and productivity may be challenging for the Albanese government, especially as some arguments may go against its policy preferences." Schools should use artificial intelligence to ease the load on teachers and tackle educational inequity, the government's productivity adviser says. The Productivity Commission also recommended financial incentives for businesses to train workers and to reduce barriers to occupational training in the fourth of five reports it is releasing ahead of the government's economic reform roundtable. Building the nation's skills base is an important part of turning around Australia's ailing productivity performance, the commission found. "A thriving, adaptable workforce will give us the productivity growth we need to see higher wages and better living standards," deputy chair Alex Robson said. "As the pace of change in work and technology continues to accelerate, we need to ensure that workers can acquire the skills they'll need to thrive." The federal government should provide "national leadership" on educational technology and AI in schools, the report recommended. It is hoped the changes would arrest the decline in Australians' foundational skills, which allow workers to learn new abilities and are essential to improving productivity. National education bodies should establish a framework for assessing the quality of edtech tools, undertake a stocktake of what tools are being used and recommend tools for teachers across Australia to use, the commission said. State and territory governments were told to provide professional development and support for teachers to adopt and use AI tools effectively. The report urged the government to create a single nationwide online platform of planning materials for teachers across all states and territories to access. This would particularly help teachers in remote areas or who instruct classes outside of their field of expertise. Promoting the use of AI in schools was one of the recommendations put forward by ChatGPT owner OpenAI in an economic blueprint for Australia released by the Silicon Valley-based tech giant in June. Treasurer Jim Chalmers welcomed the report, saying the government was grateful for the commission's work "in helping us think through some of the big challenges in our economy". "The reason that our government is obsessed with productivity in our economy is because it's the best way to lift living standards over time," he said, as he prepared for his roundtable of business, unions, experts and civil society next week. "Our investments and reforms to boost our human capital are a big part of that, helping workers around the country earn more and keep more of what they earn. "As a Labor government, we'll always back and invest in our workers to make sure we build the human capital and skills we need to grasp the opportunities of the defining decade ahead." While the summit provides a good opportunity for the government to tackle the challenges facing the nation's economy, it came with risks as well, said Zareh Ghazarian, head of Monash University's politics and international relations discipline. "The challenge for the government will be how it manages the expectation that this event will make a real and positive impact on the community," he said. "Politically, entertaining questions on tax reform and productivity may be challenging for the Albanese government, especially as some arguments may go against its policy preferences." Schools should use artificial intelligence to ease the load on teachers and tackle educational inequity, the government's productivity adviser says. The Productivity Commission also recommended financial incentives for businesses to train workers and to reduce barriers to occupational training in the fourth of five reports it is releasing ahead of the government's economic reform roundtable. Building the nation's skills base is an important part of turning around Australia's ailing productivity performance, the commission found. "A thriving, adaptable workforce will give us the productivity growth we need to see higher wages and better living standards," deputy chair Alex Robson said. "As the pace of change in work and technology continues to accelerate, we need to ensure that workers can acquire the skills they'll need to thrive." The federal government should provide "national leadership" on educational technology and AI in schools, the report recommended. It is hoped the changes would arrest the decline in Australians' foundational skills, which allow workers to learn new abilities and are essential to improving productivity. National education bodies should establish a framework for assessing the quality of edtech tools, undertake a stocktake of what tools are being used and recommend tools for teachers across Australia to use, the commission said. State and territory governments were told to provide professional development and support for teachers to adopt and use AI tools effectively. The report urged the government to create a single nationwide online platform of planning materials for teachers across all states and territories to access. This would particularly help teachers in remote areas or who instruct classes outside of their field of expertise. Promoting the use of AI in schools was one of the recommendations put forward by ChatGPT owner OpenAI in an economic blueprint for Australia released by the Silicon Valley-based tech giant in June. Treasurer Jim Chalmers welcomed the report, saying the government was grateful for the commission's work "in helping us think through some of the big challenges in our economy". "The reason that our government is obsessed with productivity in our economy is because it's the best way to lift living standards over time," he said, as he prepared for his roundtable of business, unions, experts and civil society next week. "Our investments and reforms to boost our human capital are a big part of that, helping workers around the country earn more and keep more of what they earn. "As a Labor government, we'll always back and invest in our workers to make sure we build the human capital and skills we need to grasp the opportunities of the defining decade ahead." While the summit provides a good opportunity for the government to tackle the challenges facing the nation's economy, it came with risks as well, said Zareh Ghazarian, head of Monash University's politics and international relations discipline. "The challenge for the government will be how it manages the expectation that this event will make a real and positive impact on the community," he said. "Politically, entertaining questions on tax reform and productivity may be challenging for the Albanese government, especially as some arguments may go against its policy preferences."
Perth Now
4 hours ago
- Perth Now
Go to school on AI to ease teacher load, treasurer told
Schools should use artificial intelligence to ease the load on teachers and tackle educational inequity, the government's productivity adviser says. The Productivity Commission also recommended financial incentives for businesses to train workers and to reduce barriers to occupational training in the fourth of five reports it is releasing ahead of the government's economic reform roundtable. Building the nation's skills base is an important part of turning around Australia's ailing productivity performance, the commission found. "A thriving, adaptable workforce will give us the productivity growth we need to see higher wages and better living standards," deputy chair Alex Robson said. "As the pace of change in work and technology continues to accelerate, we need to ensure that workers can acquire the skills they'll need to thrive." The federal government should provide "national leadership" on educational technology and AI in schools, the report recommended. It is hoped the changes would arrest the decline in Australians' foundational skills, which allow workers to learn new abilities and are essential to improving productivity. National education bodies should establish a framework for assessing the quality of edtech tools, undertake a stocktake of what tools are being used and recommend tools for teachers across Australia to use, the commission said. State and territory governments were told to provide professional development and support for teachers to adopt and use AI tools effectively. The report urged the government to create a single nationwide online platform of planning materials for teachers across all states and territories to access. This would particularly help teachers in remote areas or who instruct classes outside of their field of expertise. Promoting the use of AI in schools was one of the recommendations put forward by ChatGPT owner OpenAI in an economic blueprint for Australia released by the Silicon Valley-based tech giant in June. Treasurer Jim Chalmers welcomed the report, saying the government was grateful for the commission's work "in helping us think through some of the big challenges in our economy". "The reason that our government is obsessed with productivity in our economy is because it's the best way to lift living standards over time," he said, as he prepared for his roundtable of business, unions, experts and civil society next week. "Our investments and reforms to boost our human capital are a big part of that, helping workers around the country earn more and keep more of what they earn. "As a Labor government, we'll always back and invest in our workers to make sure we build the human capital and skills we need to grasp the opportunities of the defining decade ahead." While the summit provides a good opportunity for the government to tackle the challenges facing the nation's economy, it came with risks as well, said Zareh Ghazarian, head of Monash University's politics and international relations discipline. "The challenge for the government will be how it manages the expectation that this event will make a real and positive impact on the community," he said. "Politically, entertaining questions on tax reform and productivity may be challenging for the Albanese government, especially as some arguments may go against its policy preferences."
